Apparatus for steaming velvets



(No Model.)

J. H. ULLMAN. APPARATUS FOR STBAMING YELVETS, &c. No; 542,904.

' Patented July 16, 1895..

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOSEPH H. ULLMAN, OF NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT.

APPARATUS FOR STE AMING V ELVETS, 80C.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 542,904, dated July 16, 1895. Application filed April 1, 1895. Serial No. 544.013. (Ila model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOSEPH H. ULLMAN, of

' New Haven, in the county of New Haven and and represent, in

Figure 1, a perspective view of an appara tus for steaming velvets, &c., constructed in accordance with myinvention; Fig. 2, a view thereof in vertical longitudinal section.

My'invention relates to an improved apparatus for steaming, cleaning, reviving, and re'storin g velvets, velveteens, satins, and other pile fabrics and feathers, the object being to produce a simple, compact, convenient, and effective apparatus for the purpose indicated.

With these ends in view my invention consists in an apparatus having certain details of construction and combinations of parts, as will be hereinafter described, and pointed out in the claim.

In carrying out my invention I employ a heavy box or drum A, which, as shown, is rectangular in general outline and has a. slightly-crowning top A, which constitutes its operating-surface. I do not, however, limit myself to making the box in any particular form, though the form shown has proved to be very convenient and effective in use. This box is made of cast metal, and, therefore, is particularly adapted to the purpose of steaming velvets, velveteens, satins,

and other pile fabrics, as well as feathers, inasmuch as it protects the same against being burned, which would result if the box were made of sheet metal, which does not interpose a sufficient body of metal between the material being treated and the flame of the burner.

By reference to Fig. 2 of the drawings it will be seen that the crowning top A of the box or drum is comparatively thick and interposes a considerable mass ofmetal between the source of heat and the article being steamed. Such a mass of metal neither heats as readily nor parts with its heat asquickly as sheet metal, which parts with its heat so readily as to almost always burn any fabric applied to it. At its outer end the box is constructed with a large lighting-opening A normally closed by a pivotal door B, which is swung open to permit a taper to be introduced for lighting the gas at the burner C, which may be of any approved construction and has gas fed to it through a horizontallyarranged supply-pipe C. At its opposite or rear end the box or drum is also constructed with an opening A of circular or other form, as well as a number of small openings A said openings A and A being provided for the escape of the products of combustion. The lower edges and the sides of the box are cut away, as at A which permits sufficient air to enter the box to support the flame. At its rear end the box is provided with two rearwardly-projecting lugs A A by means of which it is pivotally secured by horizontal pivots a to the vertically-arranged lugs D of a plate or bracket D, secured directly to the base E, upon which the box rests, and which is protected by a plate E of sheet metal applied to its upper face.

By pivoting the box to the base in the manner described I am enabled to tilt it so as to expose the burner for heating flat-irons and other pressing-irons thereupon, the box being supported in its tilted position by means of a buffer F. To adapt the burner for the heating of flat-irons and other pressing-irons, I provide it with a platform G, supported upon short vertical posts G, resting at their lower ends upon the burner'plate 0, below which, through the apertures c, the gas issues and burns. By the use of the platform G, I support theirons at a sufficient distance above the flame to heat them to the best advantage;

It will be understood that in the use of my improved fabric apparatus the fabric to be treated is dampened on the back and then passed back and forth over the heated box or drum, the heat of which at once converts the moisture in the fabric into steam, which passes through the fabric and raises the nap or pile thereof in such a manner as to bring the fabric back to or nearly to its original condition of finish and beauty. Fabrics which have become matted in use or in consequence of having been packed away are completely lers, &c., consisting in the combination with a standard or base,of a burner applied thereto,

and a heavy, cast-metal box or drum pivotally connected with the base, having a smooth unincumbered operating, surface or top and inclosing the burner when in its normal position and exposing the same for independent use when tilted on its pivot and supported upon its pivoted end, substantiallyas set forth.

In testimony whereof I have signed this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

JOSEPH l-I. ULLM AN.

Witnesses:

FRED. O. EARLE, LILLIAN D. KELSEY. 

